Apple scores trademark for store design

Given that Apple is well-known for its iconic, glass-heavy store designs, the fact that the company has been attempting to trademark its look shouldn't come as much of a surprise. Now, Mashable reports that as we approach the three-year anniversary of Apple's attempt to trademark the design, the US Patent & Trademark Office has finally granted the company its request.

"The store features a clear glass storefront surrounded by a paneled facade consisting of large, rectangular horizontal panels over the top of the glass front, and two narrower panels stacked on either side of the storefront," reads the trademark application. "Within the store, rectangular recessed lighting units traverse the length of the store's ceiling. There are cantilevered shelves below recessed display spaces along the side walls, and rectangular tables arranged in a line in the middle of the store parallel to the walls and extending from the storefront to the back of the store. There is multi-tiered shelving along the side walls, and a oblong table with stools located at the back of the store, set below video screens flush-mounted on the back wall."

With Apple's habit of becoming entangled in legal disputes over its hardware designs being duplicated elsewhere, it'll be interesting to see if the ownership of its store layout spawns any further courtroom battles. We won't likely have to wait very long to find out.